I want to progress from an advanced rider to an expert. I'm thinking it's time for a new board. I don't understand snowboard terminology and I'm looking for some straight forward advice as to what I should look for based on my current riding style and where I hope to progress.

Background/experience:
I started off with a Nitro when I was a kid, got a real job & spent some big bucks on a Palmer Women's Liberty Carbon 2002/2003. I rode that for a few seasons (Buffalo, NY). Moved to Chicago, took a few seasons off, eventually explored Wisconsin's resorts, then moving on to CO mountains where I now mostly ride. In 2012, I updated to a 2011 Ride Promise & my riding progressed fast. I ride about 20-30 days a year.

Aside from the 3 boards I owned, last year was the 1st time I ever tried another board. I demoed some Lib techs (I loved!). I didn't write down what it was that I loved or what it was that I didn't like. Just remember 1 board was too soft & I hated it. I've talked to several people for advice, all seeming to know what they are talking about & all tend to say different things that further confuse me. Demoing is $30 a pop. I donít understand when I read about boarding online; I ride solo, have fun & thatís the extent to what I know. Looking for you to help to simplify.

Current riding (on Ride Promise):
1. Deep carving and riding for speed (small portion of a day)
2. Racing. Make Nastar Nationals every year. Would love an alpine board 1 day
3. Most of my riding is in trees or on moguls. Winter Park, Co black-blues & black diamonds.
4. I like kickers & some air but not too much in the park. More if I'm in WI & bored Looking to progress:
1. improve tree & mogul performance
2. double-black diamonds, steeper terrain, expert terrain
3. improve switch riding (heel side no problem; toe-side I don't feel comfortable bec I'm so twisted & still unable to see clearly - maybe a twin would make toe-side easier) Questions:
Ride Promise is a directional, a rocker & medium stiffness. What does this do for me in terms of the riding that I mentioned?
Is my board fine & do you think a new stick is "needed" to progress?
What specs should I look for & avoid?
Is a quiver possible?
I plan to demo but need to understand better what I'm looking for. Thanks

Not trying to be critical or ironic or anything, just wondering how you manage to get that good without knowing anything about the equipment - even allowing for some exaggeration on both ends of the equation. Even if you have a naturally frugal nature, how do you manage to go that long without wondering, just a little bit....

It boggles the mind, it does.

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Not trying to be critical or ironic or anything, just wondering how you manage to get that good without knowing anything about the equipment - even allowing for some exaggeration on both ends of the equation. Even if you have a naturally frugal nature, how do you manage to go that long without wondering, just a little bit....

It boggles the mind, it does.

I've been riding since like 89 and consider myself pretty good. I've owned 6 boards over that time - 2 were bought this year. When I decided to buy something new this year, I had no idea what any of the tech was. Just sayin, it happens.

Not trying to be critical or ironic or anything, just wondering how you manage to get that good without knowing anything about the equipment - even allowing for some exaggeration on both ends of the equation. Even if you have a naturally frugal nature, how do you manage to go that long without wondering, just a little bit....

It boggles the mind, it does.

My reaction is exactly yours, Donutz. In reply to the OP, since you make those nationals every year you must be serious about snowboarding? Yet, you took a few seasons off? Does this mean you're serious yet took years off in your prime? This is a confusing post.

So Tasong. It seems the Ride Promise has LowRize in the front, ProRize in the back (^not just Mervin who has their own crazy names...). Sorry, I don't know what ProRize is, but I have a Ride board with LowRize rocker. Regardless, if you like that profile, I'd try to see how that translates to other company's profiles.

I have a GNU B Pro C2BTX (east coast). Not sure how it translates to your Ride's profile, but it's agile (for trees/moguls), stable (for landings), and a stiffer twin. People seem to either love or hate CRC, but if you're looking to demo, I'd def add that one to your list. GNU is made by Mervin; Mervin makes Lib Techs (no ladies decks in the Lib line) and also Roxy. Perhaps it'll be similar to the one you demoed/loved.